Bruce Willis’ condition worsens, diagnosed with ‘cruel’ frontotemporal dementia
Bruce Willis has received a “cruel” diagnosis nearly one year after announcing his battle with aphasia.
The family of the 67-year-old “Die Hard” star, who retired from acting in March 2022, revealed in a lengthy statement Thursday that he has frontotemporal dementia.
“While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the family said on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know,” they continued.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.”
The statement — which was signed by Willis’ ex-wife, Demi Moore, his current wife, Emma Heming, and all five of his daughters — also said that if the “Whole Nine Yards” star “could” respond to his situation, he would want to help spread awareness and bring “global attention and connectedness” to others suffering from the “debilitating disease.”
“Bruce has always found joy in life — and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us,” the statement concluded.
“We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
Willis’ initial aphasia diagnosis indicated that he would struggle to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written, according to the Mayo Clinic. Despite his uphill battle, the “Armageddon” star continued to appear in public with friends and enjoy “impromptu” jam sessions.
Months after that diagnosis, Heming, 44, shared that she was grappling with “paralyzing” grief.
“I’m learning how to live along side [sic] it,” she wrote on social media.
The actress went on to share wisdom from Willis’ 31-year-old daughter Scout, writing, “Grief is the deepest and purest form of love. I hope you find some comfort in that too.”
In addition to Scout, the retired actor shares daughters Rumer, 34 — who is pregnant with her first child — and Tallulah, 29, with Moore.
He and Heming, who have been married since 2009, share daughters Evelyn, 8, and Mabel, 10.
Bella Thorne has a new boyfriend.
The actress went Instagram-official with Mark Emms on Tuesday, posting a loved-up carousel of PDA pictures for Valentine’s Day.
“Find someone u want to share ur candy with ,” the former Disney Channel star, 25, wrote, referencing the “Lady and the Tramp”-esque photo at the start of the slideshow showing them sharing Nerds Rope.
“Ps.this sexy tall British man is mine so get yah own cuz I feel like kickin Ass today,” she concluded.
The rest of Thorne’s shots included the couple hugging on an NFL field, locking lips and snapping selfies.
While it is unclear when the “Shake It Up” alum began dating the Emms Productions and Eastern Road Films CEO, the duo were spotted kissing on a boat in Greece last Semptember.
Prior to their romance kicking off, Thorne was briefly linked to actor Ryan Eggold in July 2022.
That same month, the “Midnight Sun” star’s fiancè, Benjamin Mascolo, confirmed that they had ended their engagement.
“I wish only the best for this person and I will always be there for her,” the singer, 29, wrote via Instagram at the time. “I love you.”
Mascolo got down on one knee in March 2021 after nearly two years with Thorne.
Over the years, the OnlyFans creator, who identifies as pansexual, has also been romantically involved with Mod Sun, Tana Mongeau and more stars.
Thorne told Cosmopolitan in 2019 that partners not open to polyamory aren’t her “forever” person.
“A lot of people are actually down,” she told the outlet. “We talk it through and they’re like, ‘Wow, that actually sounds kind of beautiful.’”
